Tiffany Bead Toggle Necklace
Mid-20th Century American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
1990s Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Kunzite, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
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2010s Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
2010s Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Emerald, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Kunzite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Opal, Multi-gemstone, Yellow G...
Antique 1840s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mid-20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Beryl, Morganite, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Beryl, Morganite, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Malachite, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Drop Necklaces
Turquoise
Late 20th Century Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Hematite, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Hematite, Sterling Silver
1990s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Garnet, Sterling Silver
1990s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Garnet, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Beaded Necklaces
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Beryl, Morganite, Sterling Silver
20th Century American Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Finding the Right necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.